Launched as ELIAS H. DERBY.
Renamed c1944 SAMLONG, Ministry of War Transport (Prince Line Ltd, London)
3 Aug 1944 Badly damaged by German 'Linsen' craft (explosive boat) two miles off Juno Beach, Normandy. Towed to
Thames Estuary and then Gravesend. Later towed to the
River Blackwater and laid up as Constructive Total Loss.
7 April 1947 listed by Jeff Curtiss as being in the river.
Jan 1949 Scrapped Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland.
(from http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/LibShipsS.html#Samk).
In "Tide Time", A.S. Bennett says she has an engineroom full of water and a light lashed to the muzzle of her gun aft.
From Oyster Company ledger:
- 31 March 1945 20 weeks compensation. Prince Line Ltd.
- 30 January 1949 Compensation 9 wks 1 day.

"Haven of Rest" by Douglas Gurton lists the vessel as damaged by an E Boat torpedo, but has no further info. See DJG_SHP

Tonnage:

7,219 gross

Built:

1943

Type:

Liberty ship

Official No:

169689

ID

1169689

Above: The Liberty Ship SAMLONG in the River Blackwater, taken from Mell Creek, Tollesbury. Part of a postcard - see ... Date: c1948.Source: Mersea Museum